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This week on the podcast, I’m thrilled to welcome Emily Burdette—an incredibly talented singer-songwriter and Belmont University grad, now based in Wilmington, North Carolina. We dive into her journey, the craft behind her songwriting, and what inspires her as a rising artist. Plus, Emily treats us to a special live performance around the dining room table. Don’t miss this inspiring episode. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Songwriter Connection, we welcome “The Coastal Cowgirl,” Kimberly Dawn. Originally from Canada and now splitting time between Nashville and the West Coast, Kimberly brings a refreshing blend of classic country storytelling and modern country spirit to her music. Known for songs like “Deere John,” “Leave Her Better,” and “In Love With Tennessee,” Kimberly’s writing is rooted in real-life experiences and themes of perseverance, courage, and resilience. Her music has earned millions of streams and recognition from outlets like CMT and the Academy of Country Music, while her powerful song “The Bottle” shines a light on mental health and recovery. In this conversation, Kimberly shares the story behind her “Coastal Cowgirl” brand, her journey from Canada to Nashville, and the inspiration that fuels her songwriting. Plus, she performs a few songs live around the table, giving listeners a chance to hear the heart behind the music. It’s a great conversation about chasing dreams, telling authentic stories, and finding strength through song. Don’t miss this inspiring episode of Songwriter Connection. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

On this episode of Songwriter Connection, Dave welcomes rising country artist Jadynce Jean to the table for a conversation about music, determination, and chasing a dream at a young age. With powerhouse vocals and a natural connection to her audience, Jadynce has been performing since she was just six years old and hasn’t slowed down since. Now splitting time between Kansas and Nashville, she’s building momentum with heartfelt originals, high-energy performances, and songs that reflect both real life and real emotion. In this episode, Jadynce shares the story behind her journey into music, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and what it’s like navigating the Nashville songwriting scene as an emerging artist. She also performs some of her music live around the table, giving listeners an intimate look at the songs and stories behind them. If you enjoy discovering the next generation of country artists and hearing the stories behind the songs, you won’t want to miss this conversation with Jadynce Jean. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

🚨 APRIL FOOLS… but not really. 🚨 I got so fired up about Episode #260 of Songwriter Connection that I jumped the gun and moved it up to April 1st… and yeah, we’re having a little fun with it 😄 Join us as we welcome one of Nashville’s New Faces of Country Music — Kelsey Hart. Kelsey built his foundation the real Nashville way — as a songwriter first — landing cuts with artists like Dylan Scott, Trace Adkins, and Jake Owen. Now, he’s stepping into the spotlight as an artist signed to Curb Records, and trust me… he’s making some serious noise. From writing hit songs to carving out his own lane as a performer, Kelsey’s story is exactly what Songwriter Connection is all about. 👉 Don’t miss Episode #260 — streaming everywhere April 1st (No joke… this one’s the real deal.) 🎙️🔥 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Songwriter Connection, we’re joined by Nashville-based singer/songwriter Chandler Marie — a small-town Georgia native who took a leap of faith to the “little big town” of Nashville and hasn’t looked back. With several million streams across platforms, eight nominations at the Josie Music Awards, and recognition as a Spotlight Artist at CMA Fest, Chandler is quickly becoming one of country music’s breakout artists to watch. In this episode, Chandler shares her journey from Georgia roots to Nashville stages, the stories behind her songs, and what it really takes to build momentum in today’s country music landscape. You’ll hear about the inspiration that fuels her writing, the hustle behind the highlights, and of course — she’ll perform live. If you love discovering rising artists before they hit the stratosphere, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Songwriter Connection, we’re joined by one of Nashville’s rising stars — Mark Taylor — a songwriter and performer you definitely want on your radar. Mark has shared the stage with some of country music’s greats, earned awards for his songwriting, and built a reputation in Music City as both a powerful writer and a captivating live performer. Now, he’s adding “entrepreneur” to the mix with his own whiskey brand — because why not pair great songs with great spirits? Join us as we pull up chairs around the dining room table for an honest conversation about the craft of songwriting, the stories behind the songs, and the journey of building a career in Nashville. You’ll also hear Mark perform some of his incredible songs live in the room — the way they’re meant to be heard. It’s real stories, real music, and a real talent you won’t want to miss. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Songwriter Connection, we’re celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with my special guest, Sean Turk McNamara! Sean and his wife own McNamara’s Irish Pub right here in Nashville. He’s an Irish singer-songwriter, a pub owner, and a storyteller who’s performed over 6,000 shows in Music City. He’s kept the Irish tradition alive, and today he’s sharing live songs and the stories behind them, around the dining room table. Don’t miss it! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Songwriter Connection, we sit down with Elliott Booe, an artist who’s putting his career in the fast lane. From booking nonstop shows to playing the Muscle Shoals Songwriters Festival and recording at the legendary FAME Studios, Elliott is checking off milestones most artists only dream about. Along with his band, The Impromptu’s, he’s opened for Brantley Gilbert, Alabama, and BlackHawk. We also talk about songwriting, producing his own brand of country music, and the unique way he shares live music around the dining room table with lead guitarist Max Woolery. Don’t miss this one. 🎶🔥 Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We’re thrilled to welcome Jericho — an award-winning songwriter with an incredible voice and a gift for unforgettable storytelling. Jericho has been singing since the age of two, writing songs and performing since childhood. As the daughter of a Green Beret soldier, her journey is marked by resilience, heart, and determination. By just 21, she had already landed her first publishing deal — and she’s been on a powerful rise ever since. Join us as Jericho shares her inspiring story of overcoming adversity to become one of Nashville’s hottest up-and-coming talents. Plus, don’t miss a few live performances around the Dining Room Table — raw, honest, and unforgettable. Pull up a chair… this is one you don’t want to miss. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We wrap up our two-part conversation with Trey Ackerman—songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, producer, IT expert, and creative thinker. In Part 2, we continue and conclude our deep discussion on AI in music, sharing final thoughts, real-world takeaways, and where Trey believes the balance between technology and creativity ultimately lands. It’s a thoughtful, honest look at how artists can use new tools without losing the human heart of songwriting. Then, we shift gears and let you experience Trey the songwriter as he performs live, acoustic songs around the dining room table—the way great songs are meant to be shared. Stripped-down, intimate, and full of stories, this episode brings the conversation full circle from technology back to the song. 🎶 Insight, perspective, and great music—don’t miss Part 2. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Songwriter Connection – Part 1 of 2 with Trey Ackerman In this two-part conversation, we sit down with Trey Ackerman—songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, audio engineer, producer, IT expert, and all-around creative force. In Part 1, we take a deep dive into one of the most talked-about topics in today’s music industry: AI and its growing role in songwriting and music production. Trey shares real-world insight into how AI is already being used every day in the songwriting room, how creators are adapting, and where the opportunities—and concerns—really lie. This is an honest, thoughtful discussion about technology, creativity, and the future of music from someone who understands both the artistic and technical sides of the business. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on Songwriter Connection, Dave sits down with the incredible Bandana Cheyenna, the powerhouse songwriter who co-wrote Dasha’s smash hit “Austin (Boots Stop Working).” With major honors from both the People’s Choice Awards and ASCAP, Bandana has quickly become one of Nashville’s most compelling voices in the writing community. Bandana takes us straight into the writer’s room to break down how “Austin” came to life — the spark, the story, and the magic behind the song that took the country world by storm. She also brings a few favorites to share around the Dining Room Table, giving listeners an intimate look at her process, her inspiration, and her heart. It’s a deep-dive into creativity, craft, and the journey of a truly special songwriter. Pull up a chair — you won’t want to miss this one. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This Week on Songwriter Connection: Join us as we welcome Olivia Harms, fresh off her captivating performance on the TV show "The Road," produced by Taylor Sheridan and Blake Shelton, and featuring Keith Urban and Gretchen Wilson. Olivia is western music royalty, having traveled the world at a young age with her mother, Joni, who is in the Western Music Hall of Fame. Remarkably, Olivia's first performance was at just two days old! Now based in Northern California, Olivia makes frequent trips to Nashville to collaborate with top songwriters. Tune in for an intimate conversation and a live performance around our dining room table! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on The Songwriter Connection, we’re pulling up a chair at the dining room table with Jeff Dayton—a true songwriter’s songwriter and one of the most respected musical voices around. Jeff is a songwriter, producer, podcaster, and beloved Trop Rock favorite whose career spans some of the biggest stages in music. He served as bandleader for Glen Campbell, and his legendary resume also includes touring and playing with Lee Greenwood and Kenny Chesney. In this intimate and engaging episode, Jeff talks about his new album, shares incredible behind-the-scenes stories from the road, and performs songs played the way they were written—stripped down and full of heart, gathered around the dining room table. We also dive into Jeff’s role as host of the wildly popular Count It Off Podcast, where he continues celebrating songwriters and musicians. This is a relaxed, insightful conversation packed with great music, great memories, and great songwriting wisdom—don’t miss it. 🎧 Pull up a chair and join us for this special episode of The Songwriter Connection. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week on The Songwriter Connection, we welcome award-winning and Grammy-nominated songwriter Jeff Batson to the dining room table. Jeff’s songs have traveled far and wide, but the road he took to get here is even more remarkable. In this episode, he opens up about his journey through Nashville’s music scene — the highs, the hurdles, the unexpected turns, and the moments that shaped his craft and career. Pull up a chair as Jeff shares the stories behind the hits, the lessons learned along the way, and a few unforgettable memories only a lifetime songwriter can tell. And of course, he treats us to live performances right here around the table — raw, real, and straight from the heart. If you love great songs and the people who write them, you won’t want to miss this one. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy